Job Announcements of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Social Science Librarian

Amherst College Library seeks a Social Sciences Librarian to serve as the Library’s primary subject specialist for social sciences and law, acting as liaison, research instructor, and selector in those disciplines. This Librarian will provide instruction in research and the use of library resources in a variety of settings, with a special emphasis on social sciences, legal studies, government information, and data. S/he will demonstrate a dedication to promoting research and to undergraduate teaching and a willingness to hone skills as a library instructor.. S/he will maintain currency with emerging information technologies and trends in scholarly communication, anticipating and facilitating new uses of social sciences research and data in response to evolving patterns of publishing and information dissemination. The Social Sciences Librarian serves as coordinator of the Library’s federal depository program. S/he also participates in general reference services, guiding and instructing library patrons in identifying, retrieving and evaluating information in all formats. S/he will also play an active role in the development and enhancement of public services in general. Full-time, with some evenings and weekends.

Qualifications: Must have a strong academic background or experience in social sciences as well as an ability to locate and evaluate relevant data. Master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or foreign equivalent required. Must have minimum of three years professional experience in an academic or research library or equivalent, preferably in reference, collection development and/or user education. Demonstrated ability to teach and a commitment to participate in undergraduate education required. Strong communication skills required. The successful candidate must be willing to tackle challenges in an academic library with energy and enthusiasm, showing patience, tact, and good humor in the face of the demands of public service. S/he is expected to contribute to library initiatives that further the College’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional resumes. A review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.To apply online, please visit our website at https://jobs.amherst.edu

Amherst College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, persons of color, and persons with disabilities to apply. The College is committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff